Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used in the development of various products ranging from construction material to household goods. However, available evidence indicates that asbestos is harmful to humans and animals, especially when toxic airborne fibres are inhaled. If you happen to identify asbestos in your home or office, consider removing these components since they pose a grave danger to individuals around the building. Unfortunately, most homeowners lack the necessary information concerning asbestos removal techniques, and this tends to undermine the whole containment exercise. This guide outlines three-small scale asbestos removal methods available in the market.
Mini-Enclosure -- Working in a closed environment is vital to reduce the chances of airborne asbestos fibres escaping into the immediate environment. When working in constrained spaces such as a ceiling, the mini-enclosure technique is the best strategy for minimising the chances of asbestos contamination. A myriad of building materials ranging from cardboards to timber can be used to develop a mini-enclosure -- the choice is pegged on preference and budgetary allocation. Additionally, you must observe a few rules before adopting the mini-enclosure as your preferred asbestos removal method. For instance, ensure that a polythene cover is attached to a working frame to prevent harmful particles from escaping. Most importantly, heavy-duty polythene sheets should be used to guarantee maximum protection to the surrounding environment.
Wrap-and-Cut Technique -- It is essential to remove asbestos without damaging parts of a building. Perhaps one of the safest ways to remove asbestos in this regard is the wrap-and-cut technique. The technique produces the least amount of fibres; therefore, it is ideal when full containment measures are impractical. The method works best when whole components, especially in factories, are involved in asbestos abatement. Despite its excellent safety record, preventive measures should be observed to eliminate any chance of asbestos particles escaping into the atmosphere. For instance, thick plastic casings should be used since they provide sufficient coverage of a working area.
Glove-Bag Asbestos Removal -- The amount of asbestos involved has a direct bearing on the technique used. Notably, the glove bag procedure is the most ideal for small quantities of asbestos. For example, some joints and piping systems were developed using asbestos in the past and present a significant challenge during removal. However, with the glove-bag asbestos removal method, the toxic material can be handled safely and quickly since all the required tools are contained in a single kit. Structurally, the bags are made from transparent polythene and equipped with access ports to ensure the removal process is efficient and safe. Notwithstanding the convenience, a small enclosure is still required to prevent asbestos fibres from escaping into the atmosphere.
To learn more, contact an asbestos removal team.